Kanakavva
Kanakavva (also known as Gotte Kanakavva)[1][2] is a 64-year-old folk singer from a rural agricultural background in Telangana, India. She received an "Outstanding Folk Artist" award from the Governor of Telangana and gained viral internet popularity for her performances of traditional Banjara and Telangana folk songs. She is known for her contributions to the music of the Bathukamma festival.[3][4]
Early life and background
Hailing from Bodigepally of Akkannapet in Siddipet district, Kanakavva worked as an agriculture worker in Siddipet district.[1] Despite having no formal training, she was known among her community for her singing.[1] Her transition from a laborer to a folk singer has been documented in interviews with media outlets such as Andhra Jyothy and HMTV.[5][6]
Career
Online recognition
Kanakavva's breakthrough came when a video of her singing at a local Golla Suddulu event went viral on social media in early 2020. Her performance, which used traditional village words and folklore, received widespread attention across India and internationally, leading to features on platforms like BBC Telugu and News18.[2][7] Another of her folk songs from the Medaram Jatara also gained significant viral popularity.[8]
Recognition and awards
In March 2020, following her viral fame, Kanakavva was recognized by the Governor of Telangana, Tamilisai Soundararajan, and presented with an award as an "Outstanding Folk Artist" on the occasion of International Women's Day.[4] She was also nominated for the KAFISO Distinguished Women Awards that same year.[9] Her story was highlighted by Hindustan Times Telugu as one of eight Indian women achievers who created history.[10]
Music collaborations
In 2021, she collaborated with singers Jayasri and Honey on the song "Tungutuyyala," which was published on the Times of India's digital platform.[11]
She is noted alongside singers like Mangli and Mounika for singing folk songs for the Bathukamma festival, which brought traditional sounds to a wider audience.[3]
Film contributions
An important step in her career was her contribution to the soundtrack of the 2023 Telugu film Dasara, starring Nani. She sang in the folk song "Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan,"[12] which received good reviews for its authentic Telangana folk style and became popular.[13][14][15]
Performances
Her recognition has led to performances at government events. In January 2023, she was invited by the Andhra Pradesh government to perform at the state's official Sankranti celebrations.[16]
Musical style
Kanakavva sings in the traditional folk style of Telangana. Her music often draws from Banjara cultural traditions.[3][1]
Discography
Singles
- "Tungutuyyala" (2021) – with Jayasri and Honey[11]
Film songs
- "Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan" from Dasara (2023)[12]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Meet Gotte Kanakavva, the 64-year-old viral folk singer from Telangana". The News Minute. June 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "ఎవరీ గొట్టే కనకవ్వ?" [Who is this Gotte Kanakavva?]. BBC News తెలుగు (in తెలుగు). 17 February 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Mangli, Mounika, and Kanakavva: Telangana folk singers who add soul to Bathukamma songs". The News Minute. October 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Hyderabad: Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan presents awards to women achievers". The Hans India. 9 March 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Singer Kanakavva Special Interview". Andhra Jyothy (in తెలుగు). 25 February 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Singer Kanakavva Interview with HMTV". HMTV (in తెలుగు). 24 October 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Singer Kanakavva's folklore with village words and songs rocks people; the whole world is watching!". News18 Telugu (in తెలుగు). 18 February 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Medaram Jathara folk song becomes viral; Meet folk singer Kanakavva!". News18 Telugu (in తెలుగు). 17 February 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Kanakavva and two other women nominated for KAFISO Distinguished Women Awards". ABP Desam (in తెలుగు). 7 March 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Women's Day special story: Meet 8 Indian women achievers created history". Hindustan Times Telugu (in తెలుగు). 8 March 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Telugu Gana New Video Songs Geet 2021: Latest Telugu Song 'Tungutuyyala Tungutuyyala'". The Times of India. 16 October 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "'Dasara' Telugu song 'Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan'". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "'Massiest local street song ever': 'Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan' from Nani's 'Dasara' is out now". The Times of India. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Dasara song Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan: A rugged Nani rocks the dance floor". The Indian Express. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "'Dhoom Dhaam Dhosthaan' video song from 'Dasara' is here". Cinema Express. 22 March 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
- ↑ "Telangana folk singer Kanakavva sings in Sankranti celebrations in Andhra Pradesh". The Hans India. 17 January 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2025.
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